But the broadcaster has struggled to find a long-term replacement and many Countdown fans would say Whiteley was irreplacable. The first appointment was Des Lynam, who lasted less than two years, followed by Des O'Connor before Stelling was given the job in 2008.

"Next season, because I'm doing Champions League for Sky, then I've actually resigned from Countdown so I'll be finishing with that at the end of December," Stelling said in an interview with Tenerife radio station Oasis FM.

"You know, you've really got to have your priorities and my priority is football, I love it, and Soccer Saturday, so I've committed myself very much to that next season."

Stelling's departure will spark a new round of speculation over who will front Countdown.

Also seen as possible contenders to host the show when the presenter's chair was last vacant were Aled Jones, Gyles Brandreth and Michael Aspel.

A spokeswoman for Channel 4 said: "Jeff will continue to present Countdown until the end of the year.

"He's had a brilliant three years on the show and we're sad to see him go. We're already talking to a number of people to find a replacement."

Stelling said he would miss working with his Countdown on-screen colleague, Rachel Riley.

"That'll be really, really sad. I've got a few moments of it yet contractually — but she's a great girl by the way, even though she's a Manchester United fan. She's a genuine football fan which is great," he added.

"We have some great times. No, I'll miss her, but I just felt I had to really try on focus on the things that I love which are football and Soccer Saturday."

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